Police in Kalahandi district seized 32 quintals and 68 kilograms of paddy during an illegal transport attempt in Karlamunda block’s Abujabahala village.
The consignment was being moved in a pickup 407 vehicle when the Risida police intercepted it.
Risida outpost officer Manua Bidika detained the vehicle and immediately alerted the supply department. Acting on the report, a team led by Assistant District Supply Officer Sonali Khara, Bhawanipatna Municipal Supply Officer Pratibha Pradhan, Karlamunda Supply Inspector Smritiranjan Jena, and Narla Supply Inspector Prashant Srichandan reached the spot. They seized the vehicle (OD-03D-2785) along with the paddy.
Authorities confirmed that the confiscated vehicle and grain were stored at Lakshmi Narayan Rice Mill in Gajabahala. The sudden police raid created panic among local traders, who have been active in paddy dealings across the region.
Sources identified the vehicle owner as Harekrushna Sahu of Abujabahala village. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over illegal paddy smuggling in Kalahandi, where traders often attempt to bypass government procurement channels.
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